LYMPH-VESSELS OF THE THORAX 



725 



three to six nodes, situated in the lower part of the mediastinum. The}' receive 

 afferent ducts from the diaphragm, hence the}- are sometimes termed "the dia- 

 phragmatic nodes, and also from the upper surface of the liver. Their efferents 

 pass upward to open into the upper anterior mediastinal nodes. 



2. The posterior mediastinal nodes [Igl. mediastinales posteriores] eight or ten 

 in number, are situated along the thoracic aorta, and receive vessels from themedi- 

 astinaltissue and from the thoracic portion of the oesophagus. Their efferents 

 open directly into the thoracic duct. 



3. The bronchial nodes [Igl. bronchiales] form an extensive group Ij^ing along 

 the sides of the lower part of the trachea, and along the bronchi as far as the hilus 



Fig. 569. — The Tracheal and Broxchial Nodes. (Sukiennikow.) 



Tracheal nodes 



Inferioi laryngeal nerve 



— Tracheal nodes 



Trachea 

 7" Inferior laryngeal nerve 



Tracheo -bronchial nodes 



Connecting chain 

 Pulmonary nodes 



Pulmonary nodes 



of each lung, those lying in the hilus being termed the pulmonary nodes, and 

 others, according to their position, lateral tracheo-bronchial, inferior tracheo- 

 bronchial (nodes of the bifurcation) and tracheal (paratracheal). They receive 

 the drainage of the lower part of the trachea, the bronchi, the lungs, part of the 

 oesophagus, and, to a small extent, the heart. Their efferent vessels unite with 

 those from the upper anterior mediastinal and internal mammary nodes to form 

 the broncho-mediastinal trunk. 



3. THE DEEP LYMPHATIC VESSELS OF THE THORAX 



In following the deep lymphatics of the thorax the course of development will 

 be followed m describing first the thoracic duct and right Ivmphatic ducts, 

 second the parietal vessels, and third the visceral vessels. 



